Drivers fume 'how dare they' over new rules for motorists who reach age 80

Drivers aged 80 and over could face NEW driving tests to keep their licences - as motorists fume: "How dare they?" Elderly drivers have come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks following the fatal incident involving 91-year-old Edith Duncan killing three-year-old Xander Irvine.

Sheriff Principal Nigel Ross published a report at a fatal accident inquiry saying that the regime of self-certification of fitness for drivers over the age of 70 was "significantly defective". In response, a motorist fumed on social media: "It will never happen anyway young drivers are far more dangerous than older ones fact. Just look at the figures. How dare they keep.picking on us. 17 to 25 yesr olds are the worlds worse drivers one million percent FACT."

"Maybe they just want more elderly suicides. If you cannot go out because they've taken your driving licence, and you're freezing at home, because they've stopped the fuel allowance, and they've made a normal life virtually impossible, what's the point of living," a second raged.

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Sheriff Principal Ross suggested that any application for renewal by a driver aged 80 or older should not be granted unless the applicant driver has successfully undertaken a "short initial cognitive assessment". A spokesperson for the DVLA said: "Road safety is our absolute priority and we are carefully considering the sheriff’s recommendations.

"All drivers must ensure that they meet the medical standards for driving and notify us of the onset or worsening of a medical condition affecting their ability to drive." A third motorist commented: "If everyone over 70 told the truth when renewing their driving licence about their health.

"No problems would occur as they would not receive a licence to drive." Another said: "I have mixed feelings about this issue. I'm in my 70s and have decided to give up driving. As you get older your reaction times become slower. Yes, young speeding, drink and drug fuelled drivers cause many, many accidents, for which there are no excuses.

"What I have noticed however, is that when elderly drivers are involved in fatal accidents there appears to be little consequence. For the most part, very little happens other than the loss of their licence. I doubt the 91 year old driver will serve any jail time. Almost always, when an aged driver is involved, the judge spares them a custodial sentence, on the basis of their age.

"If older drivers want the same rights as younger drivers, then they should expect the same penalties as younger drivers. A 91 year old who kills a child, should go to prison. It might also encourage other older drivers to consider if they are actually fit to drive, and if not whether they want to risk prison. A lot of people would say that more young drivers should be jailed if they cause a fatality, and I'd agree. However, very elderly drivers, rarely if ever, receive a custodial sentence."